Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you'll help them to become what they are capable of becoming.
Goethe
I have found this to be true, from both sides of the fence. I like the quote very much, because it validates a concept I realized from first hand experience and try to practice in my relationships. Treating people as if they are faith worthy is a special kind of validation and encourages the best possible behavior. Gentle persuasion is such a positive thing and makes us all better people.
We have no power to change others by force and no right to try, but many use that method in different degrees. When we push against someone they usually do one of three things; they either pretend to do what we want, close down altogether, or push back. None of these options bring about anything lasting or positive.
The "as if" treatment encourages without demanding. People will do things to please you that they never even realized they were capable of. Nobody likes to disappoint someone who is not constantly judging their every move. Faith given in a positive fashion makes it much easier for someone to have belief in themselves. True faith in yourself is empowering and often it begins with someone else's faith in you pushing you on. I know this to be true. Thank you, Charity for my first lessen in the "as if" treatment, and thanks to all who believe in me now.
THINK ABOUT IT
LET IT GROW
THEN DECIDE
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